Vendee Globe leaders have reached the Indian Ocean, Gabart’s latest Jules Verne Trophy endeavor
by David Schmidt 3 Dec 08:00 PST
December 3, 2024
Clarisse Crémer – Vendée Globe 2024 © Clarisse Crémer #VG2024
Regarding literary styles, I have always been fascinated by stories of high-latitude adventures. Currently, I’m deeply engaged in Julian Sancton’s Madhouse at the End of the Earth, which chronicles a (mixed) Belgian-flagged expedition to Antarctica and the South Pole (1897-1899). As indicated by its title, things deteriorate rapidly. However, what lingered in my thoughts over the weekend was the moment when the expedition leader, Adrien de Gerlache de Gomery, partnered with the vessel’s captain, Georges Lecointe, to purposefully get trapped in the pack ice for the winter instead of heading north to the milder conditions of Australia, as was promised to the crew before they left Europe.
Living at 48.5 degrees north latitude, I can affirm that the days grow shorter as we near the winter solstice. However, the darkness experienced in Bellingham, Washington, during winter pales in comparison to the solid three months of night that the Belgica’s crew endured.
This context leads us to the singlehanded around-the-world Vendée Globe race, where, as I write this on Monday morning, West Coast time, the leading competitors are well east of the Cape of Good Hope, not too far north of the ice exclusion zone. While a foiling IMOCA’s hull may not withstand a direct collision with a massive iceberg (or a winter spent encased in pack ice), these valiant sailors are the complete opposite of de Gerlache.
As reported last week, the South Atlantic conditions were favorable for covering distances, with skipper Yoann Richomme aboard Paprec Arkea achieving 579.86 miles on November 24, setting a new 24-hour solo distance record for a monohull (pending ratification by the World Sailing Speed Record Council).
The sailing community hardly had a moment to celebrate this impressive feat before skipper Sébastien Simon, aboard Groupe Dubreuil, accomplished a staggering 614.25 nautical miles on November 17 (also pending WSSRC ratification).
This week’s scenario in the Indian Ocean, however, presents a stark contrast, as a powerful depression is expected to sweep through the area in the coming days. Skippers to the north of the rum line can anticipate strong winds and treacherous seas, while those to the south might face intense conditions with gusts up to 65 knots and waves exceeding thirty feet, not likely to win any beauty contests.
In contrast to de Gerlache’s misguided notion of heroism, all skippers are prioritizing the safety of both boat and crew. “All the solo sailors will logically navigate north of the system,” noted Christian Dumard, the race’s weather advisor, in an official statement. “Going further south would mean enduring the system’s effects for much longer, with stronger winds and bigger seas, leading to potential upwind sailing challenges.”
However, the journey north won’t be without its difficulties.
“We’re still expecting 40-45 knots, which is substantial but comparable to usual conditions in the south,” remarked Yannick Bestaven, skipper of Maître CoQ V and the victor of the 2020-2021 Vendée Globe, who, at this point, is in seventh position among 39 vessels, as per an official statement. “Today is designated for boat inspections. Preparations for the heavy weather are underway, focusing on equipping the appropriate small sails.”
While 45 knots seems formidable from the comfort of my office, for seasoned around-the-world sailors, this version of the Vendée Globe is just beginning.
“We are currently facing 26 to 29 knots, which is quite favorable, and we are already fast; more wind won’t significantly increase our speed,” stated Boris Herrmann, who is at the helm of Malizia-Seaexplorer and is in 11th position, approximately 1,300 nautical miles behind current race leader Charlie Dalin (Macif Sante Prevoyance).
“The sea condition is crucial in this portion of the Indian Ocean, and I eagerly anticipate getting to the east to establish a rhythm in the south and build my confidence,” Herrmann added. “It feels like a fresh start for me; the real Vendée Globe has begun, and I aim to reach Cape Horn by January 1.”
Sail-World wishes all Vendée skippers a safe and swift passage through this tempest and anticipates updates on their journeys during the upcoming month of sailing in the Southern Ocean.
In the realm of speedy around-the-world voyages, skipper François Gabart and his five-member crew initiated a Jules Verne Trophy challenge last Saturday (November 30) aboard the ultim tri SVR-Lazartigue Trimaran, aiming to surpass the current record of 40 days, 23 hours, 30 minutes, and 30 seconds, set in 2017 by skipper Francis Joyon and his crew aboard IDEC Sport.
“To succeed in this endeavor, a good boat is essential, and we have that with the SVR-Lazartigue Trimaran,” Gabart explained in an official communication. “It has great potential and is maturing well. A strong team is also necessary, and we have that, both onboard and on land, along with a bit of luck, which we’ll strive to seize.”
“Even though I will keep sailing, this might be my last round-the-world race or record attempt, and I am thrilled to undertake it under these conditions,” continued Gabart, who had previously won the 2012-2013 Vendée Globe. “We know there will likely be some damage; I just hope it’s minimal. You can’t sail around the world without encountering minor issues. Managing them effectively is crucial for maintaining the boat’s performance. Achieving a time under 40 days would be extraordinary.”
Editor’s Note: The trimaran SVR-Lazartigue has recently abandoned its Jules Verne Trophy record attempt due to a failure of the starboard foil. The team is now returning to Concarneau for repairs and to await a favorable weather window.
This inevitably leads us back to de Gerlache and the (presumably) ill-fated crew aboard the Belgica. While perspectives have shifted over the last 125-plus years, the seamanship and leadership required for a modern Vendée Globe or Jules Verne attempt simply cannot be compared to the relentless quest for firsts that drove the Belgian-flagged expedition. Fortunately, today’s sailors will traverse the three great capes during the summer’s longest days in the Southern Ocean and utilize advanced weather-routing technology to weather the storms aboard their highly optimized raceboats.
As for firsts, while they remain a significant aspect of any sailboat race, it’s fair to assert that the primary objectives for these contemporary sailors involve the preservation of their vessels and a swift return home, rather than enduring an excruciatingly prolonged Antarctic winter.
May the four winds guide you safely home.
David Schmidt
Sail-World.com North American Editor
